Publication of extraordinary gazette under PART II Section 3 Sub Section (II) of the Railway Act.1989 (24 of 1989) in connection with Nomination of Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) for the Project New Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting Dankuni in the East to Surat in the West (Navsari district) in the state of Gujarat

**Executive Summary** Issued by the Ministry of Railways on August 7, 2026, this notification designates a Competent Authority for a "Special Railway Project" in Gujarat under the Railway Act, 1989. The authorization appoints the Special Land Acquisition Officer of Navsari to perform statutory functions for the New Dedicated Freight Corridor. This mandate takes effect immediately from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal Authorization and Scope** * The Central Government exercised powers conferred by clause 7A of section 2 of the Railway Act, 1989 (24 of 1989). * The notification officially designates the "Competent Authority" required to perform functions under the Act for specific project areas in the state of Gujarat. **Designated Project Details** * The "Special Railway Project" is identified as the New Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting Dankuni in the East to Surat in the West. * The geographical jurisdiction for this specific authorization is the Navsari district. **Administrative Appointment** * The Special Land Acquisition Officer, Navsari, Gujarat, is the official authorized to act as the Competent Authority. * The authorization is effective from August 7, 2026, coinciding with the Gazette publication. **Impact Analysis** **Special Land Acquisition Officer, Navsari, Gujarat** **Impact** The officer is formally vested with the legal powers and responsibilities of a "Competent Authority" under the Railway Act, 1989. **Action Required** The officer must perform the statutory functions and duties prescribed under the Act to facilitate the New Dedicated Freight Corridor project within the Navsari district. **Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd.** **Impact** The corporation gains a designated legal authority to interface with for land acquisition and project-related administrative functions in the specified region. **Action Required** Coordinate project implementation and land-related matters with the newly authorized Special Land Acquisition Officer in Navsari. **Landowners/Residents of Navsari District** **Impact** The administrative process for land acquisition related to the Dankuni-Surat Dedicated Freight Corridor will be overseen by the designated Special Land Acquisition Officer. **Action Required** Address all official communications, claims, or queries regarding the Special Railway Project's land requirements to the authorized officer in Navsari.

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